After serving in the Navy for 10 years and working in corporate America building data centers, Dan Umpa has launched USA Ninja Challenge Stafford, an indoor obstacle course training program that combines basic skill sets from gymnastics, climbing, cross training, and track and field.
Umpa, who graduated from the Naval Academy, originally planned to open a gym. He had spent ten years working in the corporate world, building data centers, and knew this type of career didn’t fit his needs for more time with his family or his active lifestyle.
When he saw how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted gyms, Umpa was inspired by his children’s love of active play. When his family’s favorite local indoor play area closed during the pandemic, Umpa saw a need for a similar space in the community. His family’s passion for physical activity made USA Ninja Challenge a natural fit. Umpa said, “We’re all extremely active in my family and this was a way to work our passion into a business.”
Opening the business wasn’t without hurdles. The search for the right location spanned six months, stretching from Alexandria to Dulles. Umpa said “it was a matter of finding the right balance of great location, the right amount of space, and the town we’d be opening in. When our location in Stafford, right down the street from the Marine base, became available, it turned out to be the best fit and we are thrilled to be a part of the community.
Parent organization USA Ninja Challenge has over 30 locations across the United States, and members can compete in Ultimate Ninja Athlete Association (UNAA) competitions. The UNAA holds an international series of obstacle course competitions at Ninja gyms world-wide, according to the organization’s website. The company is also a sponsor of the 2028 Olympics.
USA Ninja Stafford opened in August 2024 and allowed visitors a preview of the obstacle course.
USA Ninja Challenge Stafford offers classes separated by age groups from 4 to 17 years old; daytime and evening classes are available. They offer trial classes, as well as one-day drop-off events and camps. Gift certificates are also available online.
The facility is located at 650 Corporate Drive, Suite 185, and class schedules and registration are available online.
